Solitary bee just emerged and taking first flight

[solitarybee]

I have a population of Osmia cornutas that come out first, but I suspect this female was an Osmia rufa which mixes in with them later and shares their habitat, as the black abdominal bands seem more in view. With cornutas they appear more golden and less corn yellow. They are more commonly know as Red Mason Bees, or Mason orchard bees. In the US I believe the more common species is blue in colour.

[YanYan1337]

what is a solitary bee?

[solitarybee]

The term 'solitary bee' is used to distinguish them from the more commonly known social bees (e.g. honey and bumble bees). They can live close to each other in similar habitats but don't work in unison. They provision single nest cells (pollen, nectar, egg) and according to the species will create and block the cells with mud or leaves. They're sometimes more effective pollinators than honey bees. Some, like mason can be easy to encourage (why I share my project and videos).

[YanYan1337]

this is interesting stuff =]

[solitarybee]

It is indeed interesting. One of the reasons I posted this video in particular is that in spring you literally get to see the 'birth' of each bee, if you are around. Each one's first flight is a special moment, and like an awkward awe-struck father-to-be I try and catch the moment.

[sigma1920]

congratulations!

could u tell me the species name?

[solitarybee]

Osmia cornuta I believe (see my expansion on the identification above).

[sigma1920]

great, thx!

btw, ive got Osmia taurus in my bamboo tubes.

im gonna make some vids of them, too.

[solitarybee]

Cool. I look forward to seeing the videos!